Taumatatotara West Road is open again after several months of rehabilitation.

The road, near the west coast of the Waitomo district, was severely damaged during the Cyclone Dovi storm event in 2022 and required extensive restoration.

A temporary alternative route was put in place for affected residents during the design and construction phase. 

General Manager Infrastructure Services, Shyamal Ram says the scale and complexity of the site meant that a hard structure solution would have been too costly.

“It was decided that a road retreat was the most cost-effective option, and the works have now been completed and the road reopened.”

 The work was undertaken by construction company Nicholls & Uttinger Civil, which included 3700 cubic metres of earth being moved, road reinstatement and upgrades to the drainage system.

The site also has sensors to monitor any movement in the future. 

“We appreciate the cooperation of those who have been affected by this prolonged road closure and thank them for their patience and understanding,” says Shyamal.